juLY 1 - juLY 31 2017 - ISSUE 11

SPECIAL ISSUE AHEAD...

R O A D T R IP E D IT IO N

SH RT FUSE FR O M LO N D O N T O LO N D O N : SHORT FUSE D O ES K EN T U C K Y

By Gerard Creces I recently took a road trip through the US of A, going from London, Ontario through Kentucky and Tennessee before arriving at London, KY - seat of Laurel County and home to about 8,800 residents. My first stop was city hall, where I talked to city clerk Carol Adams about the makeup of their London. The city’s largest employers are an Obamacare call centre, Wal-Mart and a local cookie factory. The hottest political issue was a recent three per cent restaurant tax, which has thus far funded four public parks. As for what’s on tap – London was a dry city until just one year ago - meaning no alcohol whatsoever. Now? You can get great craft beer and real Kentucky bourbon at nearly every stop. From city hall, I stopped in to London’s local news-

S H O R T F U S E ’S G E R A R D C R E C E S IN L O N D O N , K E N T U C K Y

paper, the Sentinel-Echo, to do some shop talk with the newsies. Reporter Nita Johnson told me meth is a big problem in their London, too, and Nita had seen some crazy things while accompanying the police on raids.

LO N D O N C IT Y C LER K C A R O L A D A M S

She asked me if we had a welfare state in our London, so I explained our unemployment situation. I had to point out while their president talks about jobs fleeing to Canada, many American manufacturers in our area closed their Canadian plants and

T O P H ER , D EN IS A N D N IT A A T T H E S EN T IN EL -EC H O

took those jobs south. “Looks like we got a liberal here,” chimed Denis House from the sports desk. After the paper, I headed over to Center Target Firearms and Indoor Range, where I got to meet owners Sheena and Joe Robinson, at their grand opening. Faith and family played a huge role in opening Center Target, Sheena said. She and Joe wanted to open a family business for a while and prayed on what to do. She said it may seem odd that a gun shop is family-oriented, but if kids are going to be around firearms, they need a place to learn safety and responsibility. It makes sense. Would I return to London? Absolutely! I’d go for the bourbon, stay for the barbeque and soak up all the freedom I can.

S H EEN A A N D J O E R O B IN S O N O F C EN T ER T A R G ET

B EER A N D W IN E R O A D T R IP P IN ’ IN S W O N T A R IO By Nicole Borland and Emma Marr You can call it a vacation, you could go as far as to call it a staycation... because you don’t have to go too far! Here in southwestern Ontario, and especially in London, we have a dense array of crafty yet sophisticated, high-end but affordable, breweries and wineries just a stone’s throw away. And by a stone’s throw, I mean one hour away (give or take the lengths of a few sweet road trip tunes). Here are some of our faves, places that are closest to our hearts. Wineries: Bellamere Country Wines 1260 Gainsborough Rd., London (30 min) Carolinian Winery 4823 Dundas St., Thorndale (40 min) Quai Du Vin 45811 Fruit Ridge Line, St. Thomas (25 min) Dark Horse Estate Winery 70665 B Line, Grand Bend (1 hr) Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery 410 Con. 12 Townsend, Waterford (1hr 20min) Breweries: Upper Thames Brewing Company 225 Bysham Park Drive, Woodstock (35 min) Nickle Brook Brewing Co. 864 Drury Lane, Burlington, ON (1 hr 20 min) Bell City Brewing 55 Woodyatt Dr. #9, Brantford (40 min) MERIT Brewing 107 James St. N., Hamilton (40 min) Half Hours on Earth Brewing 151 Main St., Seaforth (50 min) Cowbell Brewing 82974 London Rd., Blyth (1 hr 20 min) Those are but only some! This list could go on and we’re oh so lucky because of that. Do you know a nearby gem? Let us know via email at [email protected]. Now get trippin’!

London Fuse 211 King Street, London ON, N6A1C9, londonfuse.ca

juLY 1 - juLY 31 2017 - ISSUE 11 - PAGE 2

INNER FUSE... EXPECT DELAYS... INN LONDON HERITAGE THROWBACK

Southwest Traction Company

PAT'S PICKS

S U P ER S O N G S FO R S U M M ER R O A D T R IP S By Pat Tiffin

The Southwest Traction Company’s Traction Line carried beachbound Londoners to the shores of Lake Erie in the early 20th century. Photo: London Public Library archive

By Nicole Borland We think London, Ontario’s a great place and it’s safe to say we make that clear on a daily basis. But, if there’s one thing it’s missing… a beach. Of course, you could hop in your car and head to one of the great beaches close by or take your chances hopping in the Thames. However, more immediacy towards relaxation, and less effort doing so, would be magnificent. Well, up until 1918, London had a little something that appeared to feel like having a beach in your own backyard. The Southwest Traction Company or the Traction Line as called by regulars. Building began in 1900 in Lambeth and (amidst setbacks and delays) it

continued into London through Old South, Wharncliffe Rd., and over to Horton St. across the river. By 1906, the route extended to St. Thomas. By 1907, passengers could finally make it to Port Stanley. So, you think “big deal, tracks were laid and a train carried passengers from town to town at the turn of the century… pretty common.” The thing is, the Traction Line was different. It was built during a time when most trains of this sort delivered goods from larger to smaller communities… not people. This particular train differed because it was built to specifically provide transport for people to Lake Erie in the spirit of relaxation and recreation! Pretty cool, no?

The Traction Line was innovative, even a little rebellious. Some post-Victorians couldn’t bear to see kids heading off to the beach after Sunday school resulting in a court battle over the violation of the Lord’s Day Act in 1912. But the rails prevailed and service continued (to everyone’s great enjoyment) until 1918 when the good old steam engine simply couldn’t compete with new, speedy electric lines. Service ceased and people moved along. Progression killed the railway star, but that’ll never stop Londoners from getting themselves to the Port on the first conceivably warm day of the summer. Day trip anyone?

It’s summertime, which means vacations and abundant opportunities to hit the road in search of recreation. For that reason, I’ve compiled this small list of my favourite summer road trip songs. And yes, these stereotypical numbers have likely been blasting from your speakers once or twice. If not, they should be. 1. Lindsay Buckingham - Holiday Road This rollicking tune from the soundtrack to 1983 Comedy Classic “National Lampoon’s Vacation” is perfect if you’re going to Wally World or the beaches of Port Stanley. 2. Queen- Bohemian Rhapsody Who hasn’t been involved in a road trip headbanging session or two when this song comes on the car stereo. 3. Golden Earring- Radar Love It’s either my late father’’s love for the band “Golden Earring” or that epic blues guitar riff that just screams “A drive on the open highway”. 4. Smash Mouth- All Star I debated between this and Barenaked Ladies “One Week” for this spot on the list. Since this one has a slower pace and cooler feel that usually leads to more sessions of car karaoke, I had to give it a slight edge. 5. Arcade Fire- My Body Is A Cage Not all rides back home from the beach are sunshiny affairs. So for those rainy trips home may I suggest Arcade Fire’s melancholy masterpiece from Neon Bible. Bonus points if you can get the organ solo to sync up with the lightning.

SUMMER BASH! July 16 Call The Office 11 am - 5 pm #prfmldn

London Fuse 211 King Street, London ON, N6A1C9, londonfuse.ca

juLY 1 - juLY 31 2017 - ISSUE 11 - PAGE 3

NER FUSE... EXPECT DELAYS... INNER

V IA SOUNDS AND S IG H T S W H ILE C Y C LIN G T O P O R T S T A N LEY A T M ID N IG H T By Thomas Sayers Summer impulsiveness leads to many Goonies-esque adventures. If you feel so inclined, bike the 40km path from Port Stanley to London this Canada Day and watch out for these sights. Make sure to leave at midnight for the full experience. 1 - Rows upon rows of wheat and farmland. These reminded me that Canada is much more than sprawling cities and suburban developments, even in the metropolis that is Southwestern Ontario. 2 - The Jumbo memorial, which usually makes me swell up with patriotism… and a little fear when he rears a tusked face in the shadows of the night. 3 - The vast expanse of late-night Lake Erie. I makes you feel quite alone in the world in a very Lovecraftian way (minus all the sea and space monsters). 4 - The back of my friend’s helmet. We laboriously biked back to London after our other friend decided not to drive over and pick us up… thanks, Spencer. All things considered, it’s a trip that lends itself more to experience than just reading about it. Grab a bike, a friend, and a few flashlights and hit the road!

EU R O N T A R IO : R O A D T R IP P IN G T H R O U G H EU R O P EA N O N T A R IO By Nicole Borland Backpacking through Europe. Some people have been lucky enough to have done it. For others, it’s still a dream... an expensive, time consuming, physically strenuous dream. But still, it’d be real awesome to do it right? Every summer is going to be THE summer you make it happen… and then it doesn’t. So, if you find this to be a situation you’re often in, consider this: backpacking (or road tripping) through European Ontario! It’ll be less hectic, more affordable, just as adventurous, and you don’t even need a passport. Plus, everyone will be aware of the towns you’re talking about, even if only because of their sisters across the pond. So check this out and pack your bags because road trippin’ is the new backpackin’! London, Ontario You don’t have to go too far for this one! We begin our trip right here at home in the Forest City, the place where everybody knows our name, not only because of England’s capital, I’m sure. Head out to some farmer’s markets, see historic sites, and enjoy the LTC instead of the tube. Then pack up and move on to the next one! Exeter, Ontario After a short jaunt down Highway 4, you’ll find the bright, sunny, historic strip that is Exeter, Ontario. No grey skies and Burberry trenches around here, just down home small town folk who enjoy quiet evenings

and cold drinks at the local watering hole. Dublin, Ontario As you make your merry way, make a stop in Dublin. Unlike the hustle and bustle of its Irish counterpart, the small community of Dublin is quiet and no less charming. Enjoy the rolling hills, plethoric mercantile markets, and perhaps even spot a leprechaun… you never know. Paris, Ontario Now, moving down the 403, with a scenic stint along the Grand River, you’ll find yourself in Canada’s city of love, Paris, Ontario. Who needs the Eiffel Tower when you have the Carolinian Forest, hiking and biking trails as far as the eye can see, and charming architecture harkening back to classic European romance? To Paris! Zurich, Ontario Let’s get a little closer to the water, Lake Huron to be exact. Make your way to Zurich, Ontario… Ontario’s West Coast! Known for its Swiss heritage, take in authentic (1850s) architecture, endearingly rural Euro-ppearance, and enjoy some famous “Tasty Nu Doughnuts” at the local bakery. Brussels, Ontario Now, we move east via Highway 12 to Brussels, Ontario. Here you’ll find a cute, quiet, former mill town, that’s as small as it is adorable. Enjoy the scenery and we challenge you to find some moule et frites, the favourite dish of its European sister. No passports, no planes, no currency conversion. Are we ready to roll now? We better be, there’s so much European-ness to see!

London Fuse 211 King Street, London ON, N6A1C9, londonfuse.ca

juLY 1 - juLY 31 2017 - ISSUE 11 - PAGE 4

SH RT FUSE WoRd Up

ACROSS 1 – Han captor 6 – More to the point 12 – Type of monitor 13 – Deadly agent 14 – Act of salvation 16 – White or brown 17 – Contraction with an apostrophe, pronoun without 18 – Crazy pigeon call? 22 – Globe or Star 24 – Fruit-shaped candy 27 – Introductory sessions 31 – Shooting star 32 – Tattoo recipient? 33 – Glazed over 34 - Excrete DOWN 1 – Contingency acronym 2 – Soon 3 – There will ___ ___ encore! 4 – Crude insects? 5 – You ___ ___ beautiful to me 6 – Mazel follower 7 – Pitcher stat 8 – An example of

FIVE WORD FORTUNES NEXT RIGHT

CAPRICORN

All beaches are nude beaches.

AQUARIUS

Protect your bathing suit area.

PISCES

Sunscreen will save your life.

ARIES

Sweaty pit stains are coming.

TAURUS

Ticks will devour you whole.

GEMINI

Do not succumb to dehydration.

A PROUD PUBLICATION OF

Advertise with us!

For ad sales/rates contact: Pamela Haasen [email protected] 519-281-5095

By tHe pUzZlOr

14-across 9 – Hissy fit 10 – Bruised and swollen 11 – NWA MC 15 – Famous Speedwagon 19 – Tax takers (abbv)

20 – Visible button? 21 – Latin name meaning “Endowed with speech” 22 – Singer MacNeil 24 – Puff 25 - Yoshi’s Island plat-

form 26 – “I’m shocked!” in a text 27 – Dissents 28 – Sen or gen ender 29 - Hardened

CANCER

The full moon brings doom.

THANKS TO OUR PARTNER:

LEO

Patio beers are your undoing.

VIRGO

Go fishing, catch a cold.

LIBRA

Trim toenails then wear sandals.

SCORPIO

Do not fall asleep sunbathing.

SAGITTARIUS

Roadwork will drive you insane.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA S U B S C R IB E T O O U R N EW S LET T ER : IN FO @LO N D O N FU S E .C A

London Fuse 211 King Street, London ON, N6A1C9, londonfuse.ca